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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
20-148
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
December 3, 2013
To recognize the 165th anniversary of the founding of Second Baptist Church of Washington, and commend Second Baptist Church on its contributions to the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, on November 12, 1848, the Second Baptist Church of Washington (“Church”) was established when the Right Hand of Fellowship was given to William Bush, Lucinda Bush, Susan Bush, Samuel Watts, Eliza Stanford, William Rhone, and Lewis Batton;
WHEREAS, the Church was established a full 14 years before slavery was abolished in the District of Columbia, and was one of the few African-American churches in the District before the inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln;
WHEREAS, the Church is a recognized historical site under the protection of local and national registries;
WHEREAS, the Church led to the creation of several additional community churches, including Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Rehoboth Baptist Church, St. Paul Baptist Church, Mount Olive Baptist Church, and Ebenezer Baptist Church;
WHEREAS, the Church relocated to Howard University Church of Divinity and several other sites from 2008 to 2013, while its chapel was undergoing repairs and accommodating the construction of 2 adjacent, moderately sized buildings;
WHEREAS, the Church continues to maintain an active and dedicated following;
WHEREAS, the Church officially returned to its original location at 816 Third Street, N.W., on November 17, 2013;
WHEREAS, the Church inspires leadership, personal growth, and a stronger sense of community through an extensive fellowship program serving members of all ages;
WHEREAS, the Church is a long-standing advocate for and made critical contributions to improving the quality of education in the District; and
WHEREAS, the Church works tirelessly to protect the homeless and disadvantaged, reduce gun violence, and advance human rights in the District.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Second Baptist Church 165th Anniversary Recognition Resolution of 2013”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors the Second Baptist Church of Washington for 165 years of outstanding service to its community and to the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
